May 8, 2019
The tiara and sash don't make the princess, said Sheetal Prasanna, a computer engineering sophomore and a 2019 500 Festival Princess. It's the qualities and character behind them that truly make her one.
Prasanna is one of 33 college students, including four others from IUPUI, who are a part of the 2019 500 Festival Princess Program. Loving the responsibility of being a role model and interacting with the community, this kind-hearted princess has participated in many service opportunities through the princess program while in the process furthering her leadership, personal development, professional and communication skills. The opportunity has also established professional connections for her with the board members, such as her mentor relationship with IUPUI Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar, whom she will join in a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a pace car on race day.
Through the princess program, she has already participated in 27 volunteer experiences, four of which she organized and led herself. One event she led was at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, where she and others packed food for worshippers who visit the temple and educated them about the upcoming 500 events. She heavily devotes herself to her Hindu faith and community and says she has enjoyed sharing her passions with her like-minded, inspirational and encouraging "32 best friends."
